Kentucky Debuts Public Foam Recycling Drop-Off Facility in Hart County

Kentucky Debuts Public Foam Recycling Drop-Off Facility in Hart County

08/10/2009 12:51:30 p. m.

Dart Container Corp.’s free foam recycling facility sets the bar for other states and encourages Residents and organizations like Mammoth Cave National Park to divert foam from landfillsHORSE CAVE, KY – Dart Container Corporation today unveiled its latest post-consumer foam recycling drop‐off site in Horse Cave, Ky. As one of a growing number of regions to be equipped with foam recycling infrastructure, the free drop‐off will pioneer a new way for Kentucky residents, businesses and organizations, such as local Mammoth Cave National Park, to use and reuse foam with the number 6 on it. This is one of the state’s first public site to accept foam food servicecontainers, including foam cups, plates, take‐out containers, egg cartons, as well as shaped or molded foam often used to package electronics. This effort, Dart’s 8th drop‐off location in the country, will divert foam from area landfills and allow it to be recycled into new products such as base boards and moldings.

“As more regions become involved in this initiative, there is a growing awareness about the recyclability of foam – recycling foam in Hart County is now possible and practical,” said Michael Westerfield, Corporate Director of Recycling Programs at Dart Container Corporation. “Dart is passionate about contributing to a cleaner future and has a history of seeding recycling infrastructure where we do business.”

Mammoth Cave National Park is the first organization to take advantage of the area’s new drop‐off and will deliver regular loads of used foam that often is littered throughout the park. They’ve been saving their first load for approximately six months. Foam is then picked up by local partner, G&R Reclamation, that then compacts and sells materials to recyclers. To be accepted for recycling, the foam must bear the “6” symbol with chasing arrows.

“We’re thrilled to have foam recycling capabilities practically in our backyard,” said Superintendent Patrick Reed of Mammoth Cave National Park. “We welcome any opportunity that helps us better protect the park’s natural environment.” To mark this special occasion, Dart Corporation and Mammoth Cave National Park held a ribbon‐cutting Thursday, Oct. 8 outside of the new drop off facility at 150 Top Quality Drive in Horse Cave. Inattendance was Horse Cave Mayor Odell Martin, City Council Members and Mammoth Cave park leadership.

Dart is driving recycling efforts from its manufacturing facilities to workplaces, warehouse recycling centers and consumers’ homes in curbside recycling efforts across the country. Often improperly called “Styrofoam,” Dart’s products are recyclable and reusable. Recycled foam food service products can be reprocessed into building insulation, plastic lumber, and many other products. Foam products generate less waste in their production than paper alternatives, are stable and safe in landfills, and burn cleanly in modern municipal energy‐from‐waste facilities.

Foam ♸ can be recycled by:

Rinse cups and containers to rid them of food.

No straws or lids.

No packaging peanuts (Try your local shipping store).

About Dart Container CorporationEstablished in 1937, Dart Container Corporation sets the industry standard of excellence by providing high quality recyclable, affordable and safe foodservice products and packaging, exceptionally reliable service and responsible environmental practices. Dart is making a concerted effort to increase foam recycling opportunities throughout the country and strives to produce high‐quality, cost‐effective products in a manner sensitive to environmental concerns. Dart is headquartered in Mason, Mich. For more information, visit www.dart.biz or call (800) 248‐5960.